"Mini" Missions Conference

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd annual Children's Missions Conference at my (West Virginia) church, Hilltop Baptist Church. Our theme was the "Underground Church."



Over the course of three days, the children attended Main Session times where they were challenged with what they can do for missions. They also attended workshops where they learned more about the underground church and were challenged even more for missions. There was also time where the children could tour the various booths which represented countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Along with all these activities, we also had fun times of skits, games, and songs.



Overall, it was such a great opportunity to be part of this missions conference. It truly is a wonderful thought that we may be able to have an impact on these children and that one day they may be serving the Lord in missions! "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Luke 10:2

Recuerdos

It really has been a while since I've written a blog! A lot is going on these days as I move along through my senior year. It seems like the year is flying by! I wanted to share about something different though in this blog. In Spanish, the word for a memory, souvenir, or anything tied to something you remember is called a 'recuerdo.' Now, I must say that I think about Guatemala all the time; its constantly on my mind! But, there are a few things that are kind of like recuerdos for me.


This is my contact prescription that I got in Santa Elena. Believe it or not, it was only about $8.50! I recently tried to buy contacts at Wal-Mart with it and it was a bit difficult. I had to explain everything! It turns out they couldn't order them because the computer system didn't recognize the doctor. Who would have guessed? I guess that's what I get for trying to save a few bucks! I'm sure it will still work out though...with some explanation...


I know this seems menial, but these were all items I bought in Guate. Every time I used them, they made me think of Guatemala :) I was kinda sad when they all ran out...


Eusebio from Huehuetenango; living here in Beckley


Edgar, Salvador, and Mayra from Jalapa; living here in Beckley


Anthony; son of Salvador and Mayra

More than any of these other items that I've shown here (my recuerdos), these friends of mine are the most important and most precious to me. I am by no means referring to them as recuerdos but, being from Guatemala, they do make me think of Guatemala and feel like I'm there when I'm with them! God has seen fit to lead these people into my life. How great of an opportunity to spend time with and minister to these people from Guatemala!

I have had the opportunity to share Christ with all of them and have many spiritual conversations. I believe Eusebio knows the Gospel but he is just a bit 'cloudy' on some things. Edgar trusted Christ when I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him two years ago when he was in the hospital. Since then, we talk openly about the Lord and the Bible and he has expressed interest in knowing more. Salvador and Mayra are 'religious' but have no fruit of salvation in their lives. Little 'Tony' is mixed up between English and Spanish. He goes to school and speaks English and his parents at home only speak Spanish. The problem is...he won't speak Spanish! He is 5 years old now. I know that one of his baby-sitters is a Christian woman. I hope that little Tony hears the Gospel and accepts Christ at a young age.

As I said, all of these friends of mine are very dear to me. I have known Edgar, Salvador, Mayra and Anthony for over 3 years now. I have known Eusebio for almost 2 years. As my time here comes close to ending, its hard to think about not seeing these friends anymore. Please pray for them! Pray that I will have had a lasting impact on their lives. Also pray that I will continue to have opportunities to share Christ with them. I'm thankful for the things in my life that remind me of Guatemala. But more than that, I'm ever thankful for these people that God led into my life! My prayer is like the words of Paul in I Cor. 3:6; "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." May God give the increase to seeds that have been sown in these lives.